What is this medicine?

DIMENHYDRINATE (dye men HYE dri nate) is an antihistamine. It is used to prevent and to treat the nausea, vomiting, or dizziness of motion sickness.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

glaucoma

heart disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

pain or trouble passing urine

phenylketonuria

porphyria

prostate trouble

seizures

an unusual or allergic reaction to dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

alcohol

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

some medicines for allergies, cold, or cough

medicines that make you sleepy

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 1 or 2 days or if they get worse.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

changes in vision

confused, agitated, or nervous

fast, irregular heartbeat

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

ringing in the ears

tremor

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation or diarrhea

dry mouth

headache

loss of appetite

stomach upset, vomiting

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Last Updated: April 06, 2009

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